Federal Employment Lawyer in Colorado
Protecting Your Federal Career When It Matters Most
If you are a federal employee in Colorado facing discipline, discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, or a security clearance problem, your job and reputation may feel at risk. The rules that govern your rights are federal, not ordinary Colorado employment law, and the processes can be confusing and fast moving.
At }, we focus our practice on federal employment law for federal employees across the United States and around the world. We help employees in and around Denver, Colorado Springs, and throughout the state understand their options, respond strategically, and work to protect their careers.
Our firm is led by John P. Mahoney, Esq., a former federal Administrative Judge who spent years deciding federal employment cases. That insight, combined with our team’s prior federal agency experience, helps us see your case the way your agency and adjudicators are likely to view it, and then build a plan around that reality.
Contact The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorneys at Law, PLLC today to speak with a federal employment lawyer who understands the stakes of your career and can help you act quickly to protect your rights and future.
Our Practice Areas
- Administrative Law Judge Hearings
- Agency or Congressional Conduct Investigations
- Conduct Investigation
- Disciplinary Actions
- EEO Complaints
- Employment Law
- Federal Disability Retirement Benefits
- Federal Employment Law
- Inspector General Complaints
- MSPB Appeals
- OFO Appeals
- OSC Complaints
- Performance Cases
- Performance Improvement Plans
- Security Clearance Law Appeals
- Sexual Harassment
- Title 38
- Whistleblower Cases
- Workplace Harassment
Why Federal Employees Choose Our Firm
Federal employees in Colorado often come to us after learning that their situation is very different from a typical state law employment dispute. They may have already spoken with a local employment attorney who does not regularly navigate federal EEO, MSPB, OSC, or clearance processes. Our firm is built around those federal systems. We represent federal employees, not private sector workers, and we design our work around federal rules and procedures.
John P. Mahoney, Esq. previously served as a federal Administrative Judge deciding cases that involved adverse actions, discrimination, retaliation, and other prohibited personnel practices. That background gives our firm a practical understanding of how the record in a federal employment matter is evaluated. When we review your case, we look at it through the lens of how your agency, and if applicable a reviewing body, may read the evidence and arguments.
Many of our attorneys and team members also served as federal employees and agency executives before joining the firm. They worked inside agencies, managed staff, and saw firsthand how investigations, performance reviews, and disciplinary actions are handled. That experience helps us anticipate how management might react, where discretion exists, and which arguments can be most effective in a federal setting.
The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorneys at Law, PLLC is recognized as an AV Preeminent Top-Rated Law Firm for ethics and legal ability. This rating reflects independent assessments of our professionalism and legal skill. Over time, our attorneys have achieved significant resolutions in federal employment matters, including multi-million dollar outcomes in some cases. Results depend on many factors that are unique to each case, yet our history shows that we are trusted to handle complex, high stakes federal disputes.
When you are a federal employee, your position often carries long term benefits, retirement eligibility, and, in some roles, security clearance responsibilities. We keep those stakes at the center of our strategy. Our goal is to help you protect not just a single job action, but your long term federal career path.
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"It means the world to know my experience is being fought for so powerfully."
Dear Attorney Lolotai,
I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the powerful motion you submitted to amend and reinstate the dismissed claims in my case. Your work was not only thorough and well-argued it is deeply validating.
Reading the motion, I felt like you truly captured the full scope of what I endured. The way you incorporated the patterns of hostility, the layered racial and gender-based discrimination, and the continued retaliation was incredibly strategic and affirming. Your attention to detail, legal framing, and use of precedent made it clear that you believe in the strength of my case and are committed to advocating for the truth to be seen.
Thank you for standing with me and for giving voice to the reality I’ve been carrying for so long. It means the world to know my experience is being fought for so powerfully.
- Rikyah Noel Brown -
"Human Element/Experienced"
John is clearly a very knowledgeable and highly experienced attorney, but what has meant the most to me during this process is the human approach he has taken. Any process like this can be stressful and difficult but John has tried to make it as painless as possible. Can’t put a price tag on that human element.
- R.
Federal Employment Issues We Handle
Federal employees in Colorado face a distinct set of procedures when workplace issues arise. Instead of filing in a Colorado state court or before a state agency, your rights are usually enforced through federal systems. We work with employees who are dealing with a wide range of serious problems and need a federal employee attorney who understands those forums.
Many of our clients are involved in EEO claims within their agencies. These matters can involve harassment, discrimination based on protected characteristics, retaliation for prior EEO activity, or a hostile work environment. Federal EEO practice has strict deadlines that often begin when you first contact an EEO counselor, so responding promptly and strategically is critical.
We also represent federal whistleblowers and employees who believe they have suffered retaliation for protected disclosures. These situations can involve the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, Inspectors General, or internal agency investigative units. Prohibited personnel practices, such as taking an adverse action because an employee disclosed wrongdoing, are serious issues that require careful handling.
Security clearance related employment problems are another key part of our practice. Many federal employees working in and around Denver and the Colorado Springs area hold clearances that are essential to their positions. When questions arise about eligibility, or when an agency uses clearance issues in connection with an adverse action, the consequences can extend far beyond one job. We work with employees whose careers depend on maintaining or defending clearance based employment.
Adverse personnel actions are common triggers for seeking counsel. These include proposed suspensions, removals, demotions, and performance based actions. Federal employees may have rights to respond in writing, to be represented, and to appeal in certain forums such as the Merit Systems Protection Board, depending on their position and the nature of the action. Our firm helps clients evaluate which options exist and how to use them.
Colorado is within the jurisdiction of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. At the same time, many federal employment disputes are resolved through administrative processes or in federal courts where we are licensed. Our attorneys practice before the DC Circuit, Federal Circuit, Fourth Circuit, the U.S. District Courts in the District of Columbia and Maryland, and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. The appropriate forum depends on the type of claim, the agency involved, and how federal law structures review, and we explain those choices carefully in light of each client’s circumstances.
Examples of federal employment matters we handle include:
- EEO discrimination, harassment, and retaliation within federal agencies
- Whistleblower retaliation and prohibited personnel practices
- Proposed suspensions, removals, demotions, and performance based actions
- Security clearance related job actions and disputes tied to eligibility
- Investigations by agency internal affairs, Inspectors General, or similar units
For decades, we have helped thousands of federal employees like you handle the most complex legal matters, so they can assert their rights, and protect and enhance their federal careers. We are grateful for your public service, and we are dedicated to resolving the employment difficulties you face with the federal government. We offer the effective legal experience you need.
Steps To Take In A Federal Job Dispute
When a federal employee in Colorado receives a proposed suspension, removal, or negative performance review, or experiences what they believe is discrimination or retaliation, the situation can feel overwhelming. It is common to react quickly or to say more than intended in an effort to fix things informally. Federal systems, however, place great weight on the written record and on how you respond within specific time limits.
Deadlines in federal employment can be short. For example, the time to initiate contact with an EEO counselor, respond to a proposed adverse action, or file an appeal is often measured in days, not months. Missing a deadline can significantly limit your options. Understanding which timeline applies and how to preserve your rights is an early and important step.
Key actions federal employees in Colorado should consider:
- Preserve documents and communications that relate to your situation, including emails, memoranda, and performance records.
- Avoid responding in writing while angry or without reviewing the potential impact of your words on the official record.
- Do not attend investigative or disciplinary meetings alone if you are uncomfortable. Ask about your right to representation.
- Write down dates, names, and details of incidents that may relate to discrimination, retaliation, or other improper treatment.
- Consult with a federal employment attorney before submitting a formal written response or signing any agreement that affects your rights.
Our firm works with clients to review the evidence the agency has compiled, identify gaps or inconsistencies, and develop a written and strategic response that fits the forum involved. For some Colorado federal employees, that may mean focusing on internal responses or EEO processes. Others may have options to pursue appeals before bodies such as the Merit Systems Protection Board or the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, depending on the type of claim and governing law.
Because each case is fact specific, we take time to understand your role, your agency, and the history of the dispute. We then work to help you see the realistic range of outcomes and decide how you want to proceed within that framework.
How We Advocate For Your Federal Career
When we evaluate a federal employment matter for a Colorado client, we approach it the way a decision maker is likely to view it. John P. Mahoney’s experience as a former federal Administrative Judge informs how we analyze the record, the credibility issues, and the legal standards that may be applied. We look beyond any single document and consider how all of the pieces fit together.
Our focus is on your long term federal career, not just the immediate dispute. Federal service often carries retirement benefits, health coverage, and, for some employees, security clearance responsibilities that can shape future opportunities. We work to protect your professional reputation and, where possible, to position you for continued or alternative federal employment that aligns with your skills and goals.
In practical terms, our attorneys collaborate with you to gather relevant information, prepare written responses, and participate in negotiations or hearings. We identify strengths and weaknesses in the agency’s case, consider settlement or alternative resolution opportunities where appropriate, and advise you on the risks and benefits of different paths. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions, supported by a clear understanding of both the legal and practical aspects of your situation.
The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorneys at Law, PLLC has built a reputation for strong ethics and professional conduct. This is particularly important for federal employees, who often handle sensitive information and occupy positions of public trust. Clients need to know that their attorney will treat their case with discretion and integrity, especially in matters involving whistleblower claims or security clearance related issues.
If you are a federal employee in Colorado facing a serious workplace problem, you do not have to navigate it alone. We invite you to contact our firm to discuss your circumstances, your deadlines, and your options under federal employment law. Our role is to help you understand the landscape and to stand with you as you decide what comes next.
To speak with our federal employment attorneys, call (202) 350-3881.